Chris Grayling updates MPs on the drone consultation response

Over the Christmas period tens of thousands of travellers had holidays disrupted as Gatwick grounded flights due to the presence of a drone flying near the airport.

Following a consultation proposing policies for drone use and enforcement, Chris Grayling made a statement in the Commons, condemning the Gatwick incident as, "deliberate, irresponsible and calculated, as well as illegal".

This consultation suggested counter drone technology systems, a minimum age requirement for operators for small unmanned aircraft, and other proposals.

• Watch Parliament TV - Drones: Consultation response
• Read Commons Hansard - Drones: Consultation response
• Read the consultation on drones [External site]

Addressing the Commons, the Minister thanked staff and responders who helped in the resolution and recovery at Gatwick, and outlined changes intended to prevent a recurrence of such an incident. He said;

"The majority of drone users fly safely and responsibly, but we must ensure that the police have the right powers to deal with illegal use. We will therefore shortly be introducing new police powers. [...]. They will provide an immediate deterrent to those who might misuse drones or attempt to break the law."

The powers outlined include allowing police to request evidence from drone users where there is reasonable suspicion of an offence being committed, as well as enabling the issuing of fixed penalty notices for minor drone offences. The Government also intends to amend the Air Navigation Order 2016, to increase protections around airports, with ​a particular focus on protected exclusion zones from runway ends, and increasing the current aerodrome traffic zone restrictions.

Image: iStock

Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.

Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.